JCYC and TRIO Prevail for First-Generation College Students

JCYC College Access staff in Washington, D.C.

On March 20th, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Secretary of Education to begin the process of closing the federal Department of Education. The Executive Order was then followed in May of 2025 by the White House wish list of budget cuts, which included the complete elimination of the “TRIO” college access services that JCYC has been providing in San Francisco for over four decades.

JCYC Executive Director Jon Osaki shared, “Both announcements were expected. The Trump administration has been very clear about its disregard for the needs of low-income students. However, it is still difficult to witness the leader of the country attacking programs that have a proven track record of success and have made a difference in the lives of millions of aspiring college students.”

Even members of the President's political party opposed the administration’s position on federal college access TRIO programs, which have supported students from both blue and red states for decades. Republican Senator Susan Collins shared, “I have seen the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students who face barriers to accessing a college education changed by the TRIO program.” Republican Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho also emphasized, “TRIO is one of the most effective programs in the federal government.”

To respond to this attack on first-generation college students, JCYC launched a national campaign titled PROTECT TRIO. Through this effort, JCYC prepared informational content and shared it with partner programs around the country. A social media account was also created for PROTECT TRIO, which featured videos of Congressional members speaking on behalf of TRIO, students sharing stories of how they have been impacted by services, and data that reinforced the long-standing track record of success.

Though Congress was successful in restoring the federal TRIO programs in the federal budget, the Trump administration still vowed to eliminate two-thirds of the existing programs through the recent renewal application process. However, on August 28th, JCYC received official confirmation that JCYC’s federal TRIO Talent Search programs have all been awarded funding through 2031. Through this renewed federal funding award, JCYC will annually provide college access support for over 2,400 students across San Francisco and Daly City.

JCYC’s College Access Program Administrative Director Emalyn Lapus shared, “After more than a year of uncertainty surrounding the future of TRIO, this is a HUGE win for JCYC, our school communities, and, most importantly, the thousands of students and families who rely on these programs.” JCYC Executive Director Jon Osaki also stated, “We are grateful to everyone around the country who stood up for aspiring first-generation college students.”